Rapper and Grammy-winning artist Kendrick Lamar will headline the 2025 Apple Music halftime show with at least one confirmed guest: SZA, the NFL announced Thursday.
The announcement was accompanied by a promotional video showing SZA playfully splashing Lamar with a blue drink, mimicking the celebratory tradition of a winning team dousing its coach. Lamar and SZA are set to take the stage at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Feb. 9.
The news follows the release of SZA’s new film, One of Them Days, starring actress Keke Palmer. SZA is also slated to join Lamar on a 19-city North American tour starting in April. The pair have collaborated on several songs, including “30 for 30,” “Luther,” “Gloria,” “All the Stars,” and “Doves in the Wind.”
Both artists are gearing up for a big week leading into the Super Bowl. Lamar is nominated for seven Grammy Awards this year, while SZA has two nominations.
This marks Lamar’s second Super Bowl halftime performance. He previously performed in 2022 alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Mary J. Blige during Super Bowl LVI.
“Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date. And I’ll be there to remind the world why,” Lamar said in a statement when announced as this year’s headliner. “They got the right one.”
Last year’s halftime show, headlined by Usher, featured Alicia Keys, H.E.R., Lil Jon, and Ludacris as special guests. It is unclear whether Lamar will bring additional guests besides SZA to this year’s performance.
The teams competing in this year’s game will be decided Sunday. The Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders face off in the NFC Championship, while the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills compete for the AFC title.